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Big future for Bullish Friend

Sunday, 24 February 2013

Court Command gelding Bullish Friend is emerging as one of the most exciting young prospects in Hong Kong racing.

Bullish Friend (3g Court Command – Lady Jakeo by Last Tycoon) won the Class 3 Citibusiness Hcp (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday after being taken straight to the lead. He set the pace and was briefly headed entering the final furlong but battled on strongly to land the contest in the closest of finishes.

“I’m very happy with how this horse is going and he has a future,” trainer Tony Cruz said. “Maybe he was lucky to get the photo today but last time we lost by a whisker, this time we won by a whisker. We got one back.”

Regular rider Matthew Chadwick was just as impressed with the manner of Bullish Friend’s victory as it was in contrast to his previous successes. “When he won in Class 4, he sat back just off the pace and finished off. He’s versatile and that’s going to help him as he rises in grade. He looks a progressive type of horse.”

The prizemoney Bullish Friend won for his latest victory included a $HK500,000 bonus for being a graduate of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s International bloodstock sale. He initially cost $170,000 at the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions and his value soared to HK$4 million (AUD 510,900) when Cruz bought him for Wong Wing Keung at the 2012 Sha Tin 2YO Sale.

His sire Court Command (Commands) was retired to Wattle Brae Stud after an outstanding career that included wins in the G2 Stan Fox Stakes, G3 Up and Coming Stakes and G3 Golden Rose.